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Friday, July 1, 2011

Brunch on The Terrace at Avenue One

Happy July and Happy Friday! Before we get into the month of July, or the Friday lunch, lets flashback to Sunday morning. I attended the latest Boston Brunchers event which took place at The Terrace at Avenue One, a lesser known outdoor space housed within the confines of The Hyatt Regency Hotel. This luxury hotel is centrally located at One Avenue de Lafayette where Downtown Crossing meets the Theater District. Despite the Hyatts prime location, I never really knew of its existence and definitely had no idea what they offered in terms of dining. The ever wonderful Renee organized the event where bloggers were invited to sample Chef Kelly Armetta's soon-to-be-launched brunch menu for a fixed price of $25 including beverages, tax and gratuity. Beverages ranged from passed smoothies upon arrival, coffee and juice upon taking our seats and later our choice of mimosa or Bloody Mary. The chef welcomed us and enthusiastically spoke about the new menu offerings, placing a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Breads are made from scratch, jams are made from locally grown (in his own garden) berries and the cheeses vary each week depending on what is readily available. We were told that Hyatt Hotels nationwide are working towards similar sustainable practices. Please note, The Hyatt does not typically offer their brunch on The Terrace, this was a private event and intended to showcase the Avenue One (located inside the hotel) Restaurant's brunch menu which will be available starting next month. The Terrace is however open from 5pm on Tuesday through Friday evenings, weather permitting, with live music on Thursdays and Fridays. The Terrace is also available for booking private and semi private functions. But back to the subject at hand - brunch options ranged from from made-to-order french toast, pancakes and omeletts to buffet style eggs Benedict as well as pastries, muffins, fresh fruit platters and more.Oh yea, and a satisfying shooter of Muesli with plump raisins and slivers of granny smith apple. The first entree I tried was the Carmelized Onion, Roasted Portabello and Grafton Cheddar Omelet which surprisingly ended up being my favorite! I say surprisingly because I typically prefer a more dressed up Eggs Benedict, but the omelet was served piping hot and offered a simple yet superb combination of sweet onions, savory mushrooms and lots of gooey melted cheese.The Maine Lobster Eggs Benedict with Toasted Pilgrim Bread, Cobb Bacon and chive Hollaindaise was a close second. The eggs were slightly over poached but the fresh well prepared lobster and that bacon cooked over roasted corn cobs was fantastic. The third egg option was a Coddled Egg over Baby Arugula, Prosciutto Crisp, Marcona Almonds and Honey Roasted Stone Fruits. It sounded like a worthy contender but after two doses of eggs I was tempted instead by the Gluten Free Granola. This was accompanied by some All Natural Yogurt and House Made Blackberry Jam. This granola was out of control good and Gluten Free to boot! I thought that was a smart option. The Challah Bread French Toast with Roasted Fruit and Streusel Topping was tasty, but I missed the syrup! No matter how sweet a french toast may be, without syrup I'm totally at a loss! (The chef explained they were not offering syrup for the toppings were sweet enough enjoyed on their own.) Perhaps this was true for the Triple Chocolate Hotcakes with Lake Champlain Chocolate Sauce, Espresso Chocolate Sauce and White Chocolate Butter, but I was too full to eat hotcakes at that point. I thought I took serious advantage of the offerings and I.was.stuffed.The Terrace at Avenue One is more of an unknown destination rather than a well kept secret! There is little buzz about this outdoor oasis that looks to cater to those seeking an after work cocktail, a pre theater bite or a simple respite from the indoor scene. The new Avenue One Brunch menu aspires to satisfy everyone from the health conscious to the local Bostonians looking to indulge and the travel weary seeking comfort.